The need for basic research in bacterial physiology and genetics continues to be demonstrated, even more so today because of the growing appreciation of the significant role bacteria play in human health and the environment, infectious and chronic diseases, nutrition, alternative energy production and basic understanding of biology and genetics. Important new opportunities for research on bacteria are outlined in the report, “Basic Research on Bacteria: The Essential Frontier” issued by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), Public and Scientific Affairs Board. This report presents the results of a workshop on basic bacterial research convened by the ASM and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to address several issues, including the research community’s perception that the number of researchers being trained in basic bacterial physiology and genetics is inadequate to current and projected needs.